Mining Areas of Penwith

There are two mining regions in Penwith, the first lies between St Just and Pendeen with the second St Ives to St Erth. There is a third region Camborne to Redruth which is outside the scope of this web site, but is included due to its overriding importance to the area.

Penzance itself had its own mining industry. The remains of these have disappeared or been obscured by development. On the far end of promenade the cap of Wherry Mine can still be seen, but only at extremely low  tides. This may occur only every 30 years.

Wherry Mine was an unusual mine, as even when it was being used (1778-1798), it was covered twice a day by the tide. The mine has left its mark, as its name Wherry now refers to this end of town. The mine was reached by a long pier, the ore being brought across it by horse and cart. The demise of the mine was an American ship which crashed into the shaft and destroyed it.

  ST JUST & PENDEEN

  CAMBORNE & REDRUTH

  ST IVES TO ST ERTH